The IBTTA is discussing the future of tolling existing interstate capacity in light of the Federal Highway Administration’s decision to reject Pennsylvania’s application to toll Interstate 80.
My opinion?
The political barriers to tolling existing interstate capacity are just as real and monumental as raising the gas tax. In the short to mid term the more likely scenario is an acceleration of the trend to toll new capacity within existing interstate rights of way. The Ft. Lauderdale I-595, the Ft. Worth North Tarrant Express, and the Dallas I-635 are all recent examples of blending existing nontolled interstate upgrades with new tolled lanes. I project many more such projects which will benefit all concerned with less political friction. In reauthorizing the highway program Congress should follow the recommendations of the National Surface Transportation Infrastructure Financing Commission and give the states more leeway to utilize this tool.
You can see what others have to say about it at the ITBBA’s blog Tolling Points.
PartnerFounder and former chairman of Nossaman’s Infrastructure Group, Geoffrey Yarema has spent more than three decades developing national best practices for innovative procurement, contracting and financing structures that ...
Nossaman’s 30-plus infrastructure attorneys offer clients, colleagues, strategic partners and industry media a wealth of practical experience, insider insight and thoughtful analysis here on Infra Insight. We blog about what we know best, from industry-leading procurements to local and national policy developments that affect the market and our clients.
Stay Connected
RSS Feed
Categories
- Airports
- Alternative Project Delivery
- Bridges
- California Environmental Quality Act
- Cybersecurity
- Design-Build
- Financing
- High-Speed Rail
- Job Opening
- Legislation
- News
- P3s
- Policy
- Ports
- Rail and Transit
- Social Infrastructure
- Tollroads/ Turnpikes/ Managed Lanes
- Transportation Infrastructure
- Tunnels
- Water